(September 3, 2004)

Accountants using calculation software

Thirty Technical Specialists, Technical Controllers and Chief Accountants gathered in Burnaby, BC in August to be trained on the International Skating Union's New Judging System. This brings the total number of individuals who have been trained to 46.

The Technical Specialists are former athletes, coaches, judges and referees who have the highest technical knowledge in singles, pair skating and ice dancing. The Technical Specialist plays an important role and will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring the accuracy of assessment of the technical content of all programs. They will attend practices, and during the event they will identify and “call” the performed elements, levels of difficulty (when required), as well as identify illegal elements. Among the athletes who took the training are former national pairs champion Lenny Faustino, and former national team skaters Michelle Currie and Ravi Walia.

“We are very pleased with the calibre of applicants for the technical specialist training. Former athletes, elite coaches, former national champions, and officials having the highest expertise and day to day involvement in the sport have been selected and trained to officiate at 2005 National events,” stated Jackie Stell-Buckingham, Skate Canada's Director of Skating Programs.

Technical Controllers are also judges and referees and they will have the responsibility to supervise the technical panel.

Technical Specialists and Technical Controllers using the equipment

“Together this group makes up an important ‘Technical Team’…the first step of the judging process. The Technical Specialist, Assistant, and Technical Controller work together to ensure accuracy in identifying each element” said Lorri Baier, Skate Canada Pairs Technical Specialist.

Accountants also received training reviewing and assisting with the development of the new calculation software, hardware, and setting new accounting procedures at events.

Another 60 individuals will be trained in Ottawa in September ensuring there will be enough qualified people to cover all the events this season.

Technical Specialists, Technical Controllers and Chief Accountants in Burnaby

More information on the new judging system can be found on the ISU Web site.